How to Make an Asian Centerpiece
Make an Asian centerpiece for your wedding, party or home decor to reflect your personal color choices and add a simple, calm zen feel. Choose your favorite elements from the Asian culture and use those to shape your centerpiece. For example, cherry blossoms and smooth river stones in running water commonly invoke thoughts of Asia. Create a centerpiece that is visually pleasing, simple in nature and leaves you feeling calm and peaceful.
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Things You'll Need
- Dark tree branch
- Vase
- Water
- Silk cherry blossoms
- Hot glue gun
- Bowl
- Smooth river stones, crystals or marbles
- Silk orchids
- Candles
- Bamboo place mat or charger
Instructions
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Cherry Blossom Centerpiece
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1
Collect a branch that is 2 to 3 feet long, preferably dark in color. You can stain the branch with a dark stain or purchase a faux branch with dark coloring. Strip any leaves or other foliage to leave the branch bare.
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2
Fill your vase about halfway with water if you're using a clear vase. White, pink or other colored vases don't require water, although you can include it if you choose. Weigh down the vase so the branch doesn't overwhelm it. Use black or white smooth river stones--or a combination of both--or clear glass marbles or crystals with a few colorful ones mixed in if you're using a clear vase.
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3
Attach a few cherry blossoms onto the branch with hot glue. Spread the blossoms out and use them sparingly to capture a clean, simple look for the most effect. Use tea light or votive candles around the vase if your centerpiece needs to cover a large space. Another option is to sprinkle a couple of cherry blossoms on the table around the centerpiece to give an appearance of falling blossoms.
Water-Based Centerpiece
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Place a layer of smooth, black or white river stones or marbles in a clear bowl or vase featuring a round or square shape. Mix in a couple of stones or marbles in a contrasting or complementary color, such as black and white or white and pink for a visually dramatic effect.
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5
Add water to the bowl, filling it halfway for a pillar candle or nearly full for floating candles. If you choose to add a pillar candle, pick a light or neutral candle such as white, and place it in the center of the bowl. Arrange the rocks around the candle so it stays in place. For floating candles, add three in soft colors or shapes such as pink and white cherry blossoms.
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Finish your arrangement by placing silk cherry blossoms or orchids in the water and allowing them to float if you opt for a pillar candle. Place the bowl on a bamboo place mat or tray, then sprinkle silk flowers around the bowl. Light the candles and the centerpiece is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
For weddings or other large events with multiple tables, stagger your centerpieces to include more than one element if you choose. Use other Asian blooms if you don't care for orchids or cherry blossoms. Decorate around the centerpiece with other Asian elements such as paper lanterns, origami, chop sticks or fans.
Never leave burning candles unattended or allow children to play with them. Always place candles on fire-resistant surfaces.
